5 Ways to Get More Water Into Your Diet

Fitness Tips

5 Ways to Get More Water Into Your Diet

We all know that we should be drinking more water for optimal health. The health benefits of incorporating more water into our diets are proven and include everything from boosting energy, weight loss and the immune system to preventing fatigue, constipation, cramps and sprains.

But the recommended eight glasses of eight ounces of water a day often times just doesn't seem doable. There's only so much time in a day and consuming that much water can often feel overwhelming. And what about those who don't really like water and crave other beverages instead throughout the day? Below are some practical and creative ways you can get more water into your diet.

1. Don't Leave Home Without It

Stash a bottle of water in your bag or purse before you leave the house. Better yet, keep a case of bottled water in your trunk or back seat. Investing in a water bottle is a wise move so you can fill up at water fountains or faucets wherever you go throughout the day.

2. Jazz It Up

From flavorings to fresh fruit to tea, there are plenty of ways to make water tastier.

Fresh slices of lemon, lime, cucumber and/or orange are easy ways to give your glass of water some added zing. Herbs like mint, lavender, basil and even cilantro can also give your basic glass of water some unique zest. In addition, there are many options of flavor enhancers available on the market. Many feature fruity combinations and by adding just a couple of drops, theses flavor enhancers sweeten up a glass of water dramatically.

Different flavored teas are another way to flavor your water naturally. Heat your water and steep green tea and herbal teas, which can provide extra health benefits, while fruity flavors add variety.

3. Just Eat It

If you can't bear the thought of another glass of water, go for some cucumber slices or a salad made with iceberg lettuce. Both of these vegetables consist of 96 percent water. Celery, tomatoes and zucchini are 95 percent water while broccoli, cabbage, spinach, peppers and cauliflower are composed of approximately 92 percent water.

As for fruit, watermelon, strawberries, grapefruit and cantaloupe all contain more than 90 percent of water while apples, raspberries, peaches, plums and oranges have more than 80 percent.

4. There's an App for That?

Use the Daily Water Free, Eight Glasses a Day or iDrated apps on your iPhone to track your water intake and remind you when you are due for your next glass. The free OasisPlaces app comes in handy when you are on the go and in search of a drink. It tells you where the closest drinking water fountains are as well as the nearest water bottle filling stations wherever you happen to be in the United States.

5. Keep It Cold

There's nothing quite as refreshing as an ice cold glass of water. Add ice to your water glass and let it sit for a couple of minutes on the counter before drinking it so it is extra cold. Place water bottles in the freezer for about 30 to 60 minutes for an extra cold water treat.